Poland Signs Nearly $4B in Contracts for Howitzers, Vehicles, Drones
In a major move to strengthen its military capabilities, Poland has signed contracts worth nearly 3.9-billion euros ($4 billion) with domestic suppliers to acquire cutting-edge howitzers, military vehicles, and advanced drones.
These landmark deals reinforce the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces amid growing security challenges in the region.
The first contract, signed with Polish Armaments Group subsidiary Huta Stalowa Wola, includes the delivery of 96 Krab self-propelled howitzers organized into four artillery modules, each consisting of 24 howitzers.
Prawie 17 mld zł trafi do naszego przemysłu zbrojeniowego, najlepszy sprzęt trafi do Wojska Polskiego. Dziś podpisaliśmy dwie umowy umowy na jedne z największych zamówień w polskim przemyśle obronnym:
✅ 96 haubic samobieżnych KRAB wraz z wozami m. in. dowodzenia,… pic.twitter.com/Oi7ID4AhWO— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) December 23, 2024
The first two modules will feature the current configuration, while the remaining units will receive substantial upgrades, including an automated ammunition and charge loading system, a laser warning receiver, and a soft-kill protection system.
Developed in collaboration with BAE Systems and Polish firm OBRUM, the Krab howitzer combines South Korea’s K9 Thunder chassis with a British AS90 Braveheart turret.
It can fire NATO-standard projectiles at a maximum range of 40 kilometers (24.8 miles).
Vehicles and Drones
In addition to howitzers, the Polish government has also contracted Huta Stalowa Wola to supply more than 250 vehicles accompanying its K9 self-propelled howitzers.
This 1.9-billion euro ($2-billion) deal aims to standardize the structure of artillery modules within the Polish Armed Forces, ensuring operational and logistical consistency.
Huta Stalowa Wola will collaborate with Polish defense firm Rosomak S.A. on this initiative.
Additionally, Poland’s armaments agency has signed a separate agreement with WB Electronics for 12 Force Protection drone systems valued at 117-million euros ($122 million).
Each system will include eight FlyEye mini-class reconnaissance drones, 20 X-Fronter micro-class drones, and 44 FP-SPECTRE radio-electronic reconnaissance systems.
According to Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Bejda, these drones will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the Polish military as regional threats intensify.
The first Force Protection units are expected to be delivered next year.
Defense Spending Spree
Poland is among the NATO member states that has significantly increased its defense spending in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In September 2022, the country signed a $13.7-billion agreement with South Korea for 48 FA-50 multi-role combat aircraft.
It also awarded a $10-billion contract to US manufacturer Boeing for 96 Apache attack helicopters.
Warsaw’s rapid defense buildup reflects growing concerns over potential aggression from Moscow, particularly if Russia emerges victorious in Ukraine.
